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Jesse Eisenberg news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Jesse Eisenberg gave his $250,000 game show winnings to Middle Way House.
The donation aids a domestic violence shelter facing federal funding cuts.
Background
Jesse Eisenberg, an actor known for 'The Social Network' and 'A Real Pain,' has been involved with Middle Way House, a Bloomington nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic and sexual violence, for over a decade. His mother-in-law ran the organization for about 35 years, and his wife grew up volunteering there. He appeared on 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' with Paul Giamatti, raising $250,000 for the shelter, which is facing federal funding cuts.
How it unfolded
- Aug 12, 2026Eisenberg's episode of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' airs, with him and partner Paul Giamatti answering 12 of 15 questions correctly before missing a question about Little Richard's 'Tutti Frutti.'
- Aug 13, 2026WFIU reports that Eisenberg is giving his portion of the $500,000 prize, $250,000, to Middle Way House.
- Aug 15, 2026The Bloomingtonian confirms the donation and notes it brings national attention to the organization as it faces federal funding cuts.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Middle Way House benefits from the donation, which provides a significant financial boost amid federal funding cuts.
- Public
- Community members at Lenny's Brewpub in Bloomington celebrated the appearance, with no one saying Eisenberg really lost the game.